Today’s introduction of the Fair Elections Now Act offers Congress a chance to spare itself and the country from an all-consuming chase for special interest campaign contributions in 2012. By letting candidates run on a mix of small donations from individuals and matching public funds, this legislation would put participating candidates in closer touch with the people they hope to represent and break the grip big-money interests have on our political system. It’s time to get it passed.

The Fair Elections Now Act is sponsored by Senate by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and in the House by Reps. John Larson (D-CT), Walter Jones (R-NC) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME).